LARA AND THE BEAT

Lara and the Beat is a Nigerian musical-drama about two wealthy sisters whose perfect life suddenly collapses — forcing them to grow up, rebuild, and discover their true identities
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Year
2019
PRODUCTION
BIOLA ALABI MEDIA
Category
ROMANCE
LOCATION
LAGOS
SYNOPSIS

Lara and the Beat is a Nigerian musical-drama about two wealthy sisters whose perfect life suddenly collapses — forcing them to grow up, rebuild, and discover their true identities. The story follows Lara and Dara Giwa, daughters of a powerful media tycoon. After their parents’ company becomes entangled in a financial scandal, the sisters lose their money, social status, and comfort overnight. Thrown out of their privileged world, they must learn how to survive in the real Lagos — without influence or luxury. As they struggle, Lara discovers her passion and talent for music, guided by a producer known as “The Beat.” Through creativity, hustle, and sisterhood, the girls attempt to rebuild their lives and restore their family’s legacy — while navigating love, betrayal, and self-discovery.

 

THE ROLE

In the musical drama, Shaffy Bello plays Jide’s mother — a sharp-tongued, socially conscious Lagos matriarch whose values are deeply tied to status, wealth, and reputation. Her character sits at an important intersection of class and acceptance in the story. As Lara begins rebuilding her life after losing her family’s fortune, she also navigates relationships across different social circles. Jide’s mother becomes a gatekeeper figure: she may like Lara personally, but she is constantly evaluating whether Lara — now stripped of privilege — is still “worthy” of her son. The tension she creates reflects a broader theme in the film: in Lagos high society, affection is often filtered through financial standing. Rather than portraying a polished elite woman, Shaffy intentionally gives the character a grounded, street-aware personality — a proud, outspoken Lagos woman who measures success materially and isn’t afraid to say exactly what she thinks. The performance adds realism and subtle humour while reinforcing the movie’s commentary on class mobility and perception.

TRAILER

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